Changing the frame! On what should I look after?

xtreem

This is my bike and I'm buying the frame from the RAM bike.
I know that (good thing):
1. I must change the fork so I'm buying Tora 302.
2. Also know I need new headset 1 1/8" and stem.
3. It won't be a problem mounting the new fork on not QR axel.
I don't know (bad thing):
1. Does the V-brakes mounts are the same on all the forks and frames.
2. Does the rear hub spacing (axel lenght) is the same for the all frames.
3. Because the chain stay is shorter on the RAM frame,
can I just remove some links from the chain?
4. About bottom bracket I don't know nothing.
5. Is the diameter of the seat tube same for all frames.
6. Anything else, just tell me.
Any help will be really appreciate.

nicklouse

you may need new seat post sea,t post clamp, front mech. new cables and a new bb.

you will need to measure the frame and check against the old frame.

the hub could be the same but again measure the old one. the new one should be 135mm.

xtreem

I have 24mm seat post so I have to change that.

Why new front mech and new cables?

The hub on RAM is Formula FCM but on the official web on Formula that model doesn't exist. Most models are with 145mm axel lengh and 135mm o.l.d( I don't know what it is).
I measured mine and it has frame space at the back of 145mm. So I think the hub should be the same or isn't?

Why do I have to measure the frame and what?

nicklouse

why measure to see if things will fit.

Most hubs are 135mm axle length does not matter.

seat post you might what size does the new frame need? if the seat post si different then you will need to change the front mech as the clamping band will be a different size. and it may even work differently. (oh and looking at the pics you will need to change the front mech, If the picture of your bike was bigger i might be able to see the rear mech but from what i can see you will also need to change that as well.

cables 99% certain the ends will be frayed and the routing and lengths of outers needed will be different.

But when you get the frame you will see what you need to change as they will either not fit or not work.

in my first reply i pointed out what you could expect to change. the only person who will be able to confirm this is the person building the bike. Which i guess will be you? so wait until you get the new frame then you will see.

hoathy

how much is all this going to cost you?? have you considered a new bike?? it'd save bags of hassel and time, and you'd know you had something standard and mondern you could upgrade in the futture.

xtreem

It's going to cost me probably:
- Frame 85£
- Fork Tora 302 U-turn 130£
- Headset & stem 20-25£
That was before I post this topic. Sum: arround 240£
With this post I found out that I'm also going to need new:
- Seat post, seat clamp
- Frond derailleur
- Cables
I'm not building it, but it will be build to another city 200km away.
So I want to now how much money I should take.
And I'm upgrading because I want AM bike and my bike you
see, the frame is bend at the rear. For AM bike I don't have enough money,
but for XC I have but that bike It's not ment for jumping.

xtreem

Here's a pic of my rear mech

hoathy

I think i see.

I think you may need to budget a little more for a headset and stem. perhaps £10 for a stem and £20 for a headset?
a seatpost is going to be around £15, cables: £10, Front Mech: £10+
Are you going to buy the stuff or the net or from a bike shop? Things will cost more from a shop, and you'll be look at more like: £20 for a seatpost, £20 for cables and £20 for a front mech.
So, worst case scenario its going to cost you: £305. Are you travelling to get the bike as well, becasue you could save some cash there too if you bought a new bike more locally!

xtreem

Localy I have only Trek bikes. The top of their list is 4500 wich is XC bike.
For traveling to upgrade the bike that doesn't count. And I can afford 300£.
And new bb 10-20£.
All stuff I'm buying from the shop because if I order it from Internet with the
postage to Macedonia it will cost me the same. Only advantage is that I
don't have to wait.
Forgot something. What about the V-brake mounts?

nicklouse

you will be able to use the mech.

V mounts are all the same.

xtreem

Thanks people a lot. So I'm going to need about 300-350£max.
I can afford that. Cheers

supersonic

I have to say, some of the parts on your bike simply are not worth changing over! Many very heavy steel parts, especially the crank and bars, and the bottom bracket will be a unsealed cup and cone, rather than a cartridge. 6 spd tourney with a freewheel is a bit clunky - I am positive you could get a new bike with better parts for cheaper than what you plan! 350 quid will get you some very good sale bikes, some with 9spd, disc brakes, damped forks etc etc.

hoathy

supersonic wrote:

I have to say, some of the parts on your bike simply are not worth changing over! Many very heavy steel parts, especially the crank and bars, and the bottom bracket will be a unsealed cup and cone, rather than a cartridge. 6 spd tourney with a freewheel is a bit clunky - I am positive you could get a new bike with better parts for cheaper than what you plan! 350 quid will get you some very good sale bikes, some with 9spd, disc brakes, damped forks etc etc.

this is what i was trying to get at. I looked up that Ram, and it looks like an XC bike to me, although on their website it says its ok for all mountain aswell... I doubt its any stronger or better built than a trek for £350, and thats stock, not with all the old bits from your current machine. A trek 4300 Disc would set you back £350, and if you get a deal on a 4500, you'd have an even better bike!

xtreem

I was watching some bikes and for the price there is in MK:
- GT Chucker 3.0 disc for 325£
- GT Avalanche 2.0 for 335£
- Mongoose Tyax Elite for 310£
All 2008 models. I like it Chucker and it suits my riding stile so maybe
I'm going to buy it. It's definetly better than 4500 ( Am I right? ) .
The main problem is that I travel about 30km to the main trails so the
Avalanche is better for those stuff.

In a few days I'll write a new post for what bike should I buy,
because I've decided to go for new.

supersonic

Chucker is an out and out jump bike, will be pretty useless for normal trail riding!

hoathy

i wouldn't say the chucker was better than the 4500. the 4500 is a very good bike for the money, its not a dirt jump bike though. But I though you wanted to do All mountain riding?

xtreem

Yes I wanted an AM bike but if I buy a new bike I'm going to using it
for 3years minimum. So far I need for 3-4ft max jumps, but over time
I think of progressing my self, and maybe in a year to top out 6-7ft jumps.
I'll write new post at MTB Buying advice or MTB General on friday or saturday,
to see what most people think.